LEXINGTON, Ky. (5/8/13) – University of Kentucky sophomore men’s golfer Will Bishop advanced through the first stage of the 2013 United States Golf Association U.S. Open local qualifying on Monday, after posting a 2-under-par, 70 at the Kinsale Golf & Fitness Club in Powell, Ohio. The course was a par-72 with a 7,228 yard layout.

Bishop had a rough start to his day and saw himself at 4-over through the first five holes of the event. The Lexington native recovered by sinking five birdies and one eagle on the final 13 holes to force a three-way tie for the final spot. Bishop birdied the second hole of the playoff to advance to the next stage.

Bishop will now move on to sectional qualifying, which will be conducted over 36 holes at 11 U.S. sites on June 3. For the ninth consecutive year, Japan and England will host international qualifying, both scheduled for May 27.

If Bishop can advance through sectional qualifying, he will play in The U.S. Open which will be held for the fifth time at Merion Golf Club, in Ardmore, Pa. Olin Dutra (1934), Ben Hogan (1950), Lee Trevino (1971) and David Graham (1981) are past champions at Merion. To be eligible, a player must have a USGA Handicap Index® not exceeding 1.4, or be a professional

The sophomore has been a key contributor to the Wildcats’ success this season, who advanced to their seventh NCAA Regional under head coach Brian Craig. Bishop has three top-20 finishes on the year for UK, including his first career tournament victory at the Querencia Cabo Collegiate, where he shot 2-under-par, 70.

Kentucky will travel to Fayetteville, Ark., next week to compete in the 2013 NCAA Regional, May 16-18 at The Blessing Golf Club.

For more information on the University of Kentucky men’s golf team please visit UKathletics.com and follow on twitter @UKMensGolf.